Jordan Conley, LCSW-C

Healing Work

Therapy with me: My approach to therapy is person-centered, meaning I truly let you or your child guide the therapeutic process. I strive to build an authentic and positive therapeutic relationship in my practice. It is important to me that I create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space that encourages healing and growth. Beginning the process of bringing yourself, family, or child to therapy is not always easy. So, it is important to me that you feel comfortable and your true self when you enter my therapeutic space. My background consists primarily of working with children in schools utilizing play therapy techniques, so often I enjoy the use of hands-on interventions, be it through art, play, and other creative interventions when appropriate.

My impacting identifies/roles that inform my work: I am white, Christian, cisgender, heterosexual, and I identify as a woman. I understand that these identities have provided me with privileges and opportunities that others are not afforded. I will never fully understand the oppression, discrimination, and challenges that others have experienced. I am committed to continue learning about the experiences of others, the larger systemic issues that enforces oppression, as well as advocating for those who are discriminated against. In addition to my cultural identities, I hold other roles that include daughter, sister, partner, therapist, and coach.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: Much of my background in my practice is rooted in play therapy. I feel knowledgeable about child development and the impacts trauma can have on one’s physical health, mental health and overall well-being. I have had experience and feel knowledgeable about the following presenting challenges that individuals may be struggling with: Anxiety, Attachment, Children experiencing divorce/parental conflict, Grief, Trauma, and Individuals with a history of sexual abuse.

I work best with clients who: are ready to actively participate and commit to their own or their child’s therapy. I often like to think the client is the one doing the work and I just possess the space/tools that encourage the growth and healing process!

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: are not ready to commit to the process, families who are not ready to be actively involved in their child’s therapy, and individuals/families looking for a quick fix. Change doesn’t happen overnight, and we only spend a brief time together weekly. Therapy requires commitment and I am ready to support throughout the process!

What makes me unique: I really enjoy working with young children, having experience seeing children as young as 4. When I first began my career as a therapist, I said specifically that I did not want to work with young children. I have since found a passion for working with the little people and their families. I additionally really enjoy working closely with parents to provide the tools to support their children at home. The saying “It takes a village” resonates for me personally and professionally, and I want to support the development of children by involving the other adults in their lives!

Learning and Growing

One of the best things about the career path I have taken is that it has opened me up to a mindset where there is endless learning. Some of the ways I am continuing to learn and grow professionally and personally is through my own therapy, reading, continuing education, and by being open to new experiences.

Fun Facts/Resilience Building 

I used to be a collegiate athlete! Sports still are a big part of my life as I also have the honor and role of being a coach. Another fun fact about me is that I have a cat with extra toes!

What resources me to build resilience: My fiancé, family, friends, and my cat! Additionally, I love to travel and explore when given the opportunity. In my free time you will find me going on a run/being active in some capacity, reading a book, trying new recipes, and socializing with friends.

Education

-Master of Social Work (MSW) University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Social Work (2022)

-Bachelor of Science in Human Services, York College of Pennsylvania

Certifications/Trainings/What I’m Reading Currently 

-Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C)

-Currently in the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist

-Multi-Modal Attachment Therapy Levels 1 and 2

I am currently reading:

-The Body Keeps the Score (Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk) and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents (Dr. Lindsey C. Gibson)